Hôtel Plein Soleil, family table and pool in Vacheresse
The Hôtel Plein Soleil is a family-run hotel in Vacheresse, in the Alps, with a restaurant, a bar, a seasonal outdoor pool and a garden. Guests praise the generous cooking, the welcome and the view over the valley. I see it working well for families, groups of friends, and ski or cycling trips.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Hôtel Plein Soleil.
Where the Hôtel Plein Soleil is in Vacheresse
The Hôtel Plein Soleil is on the Route du Chef-Lieu, in Vacheresse, in the middle of an Alpine landscape. What comes up most in the reviews is the panoramic view over the valley, which guests cite as what sets it apart from other places.
The region draws skiers and cyclists, and one guest says they come back to ski at Châtel. Golfers have the Evian Resort Golf Club, listed at around 17 km in the property description. I have no information on public transport, so if you are travelling without a car, it is best to ask the hotel directly.
What the rooms and shared spaces are like
The rooms are described as family-sized, comfortable, refurbished and spacious. Several guests also talk about perfect beds, which I find more telling than any star rating.
On the facilities side, the hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool, a well kept garden and a sunny terrace. Inside, there is a shared lounge to relax in after a day out, a restaurant and a bar. For keeping active there is table tennis, tennis courts and a children's play area. One guest also mentions a very well equipped furnished rental, an option to check directly with the hotel.
What guests say
On Google, the Hôtel Plein Soleil has a rating of 4.7 from 193 reviews. Across the ones I have read, the same points come up again and again.
- The food, traditional, hearty and generous, with the Savoyard fondue and the raclette often mentioned. One guest also talks about the weekend pizza, eaten in or taken away.
- The family welcome, with the owner and her daughter paying close attention to each guest's tastes and allergies. A large group said they loved everything.
- Half board, appreciated for varied dishes from one day to the next.
- Value for money, judged very good.
- Loyalty, because several guests have been coming back for years, in summer and in winter.
One guest also tells how, after leaving their toiletry bag behind, it was posted back to them without anyone asking them to pay the postage. It is a small gesture, but it says a lot about the spirit of the house.
What to know before you book
In the reviews I have seen, I cannot find a single criticism that comes up repeatedly, which is rare. So I would rather tell you where to pay attention than invent faults.
- The pool is seasonal. If it matters to you, check that it is open on your dates.
- The pizza is mentioned only at the weekend, so do not count on it every evening.
- If you want half board, ask about the terms when you book.
- It is a family-run, friendly house, not a large hotel with palace-style services. For me that is an advantage, but it is good to know.
One last remark. Almost all the reviews are very positive, which makes the sample a little uniform. So keep an eye on the most recent reviews on the day you book.
Who the Hôtel Plein Soleil suits
I would recommend it to families, because there is a play area, a garden and family rooms. It also suits a group of friends very well, like the motorbike group who loved their half-board stay, or a big table of ten.
It appeals to active people too, skiers in winter and cyclists in summer, who want a good meal when they get back. I would be less inclined to suggest it to anyone looking for an anonymous and very quiet place, as the atmosphere here is warm and lively.
Things to do around Vacheresse
Around Vacheresse, everything revolves around the mountains. In winter you ski, and one guest names Châtel among their destinations. In summer, cycling and walking take over, in an Alpine setting that guests describe as magnificent.
For a quieter break, the hotel itself almost does the job, with its seasonal pool, sunny terrace, tennis and table tennis. Golfers have the Evian golf course within easy driving distance. And if you would rather not cook at all, the hotel's restaurant and bar take care of meals.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
